Mogadishu Protesters, Clerics Condemn Israel’s Recognition of North Western State of Somalia

MOGADISHU — Somali religious scholars led thousands of demonstrators in Mogadishu on Wednesday to protest Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, denouncing the move as foreign interference that threatens Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and religious identity.

The demonstration, staged at Daljirka Dahson in the heart of the capital, drew clerics, traditional elders, intellectuals and residents from across Mogadishu. Protesters carried banners and chanted that North Western State of Somalia — the northwestern region that declared independence in 1991 — remains part of Somalia despite unilateral recognition by a foreign state.

Speakers at the rally framed Israel’s decision as a challenge to national cohesion and a provocation with religious and social consequences that extend beyond politics. They urged Somalis to close ranks and warned that tolerating external meddling would embolden further attempts to fracture the country.

“The Muslim community discusses and agrees on its own affairs,” said Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad, chairman of the Somali Council of Ulama. “Going to Israel to solve problems is not a good step. Israel’s interests come first, not ours.” He also criticized the Abraham Accords, arguing they legitimize Israel’s policies toward Palestinians.

Religious leaders at the rally called on North Western State of Somalia’s leadership to reconsider any ties or decisions that could harm Somalia’s cohesion and to return to Somali-led dialogue and reconciliation. They stressed that disputes among Somalis should be resolved through inclusive talks rather than outside channels.

Organizers also appealed to the international community to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and avoid actions that could inflame tensions in an already fragile region. They said recognition of North Western State of Somalia outside internationally agreed processes risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa at a time of heightened diplomatic and security uncertainty.

Israel last month became the first country to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that triggered immediate backlash from Somalia’s federal government and condemnation from regional and international bodies. The African Union, Arab League and United Nations have all reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and rejected recognition of North Western State of Somalia beyond established mechanisms.

North Western State of Somalia’s independence claim dates to 1991, when the region declared a breakaway state after the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Despite maintaining its own institutions and security apparatus, North Western State of Somalia has not secured broad international recognition. Wednesday’s protest underscored how Israel’s decision has reanimated long-running sensitivities around sovereignty, identity and the governance of the Somali state.

The rally’s tone mixed religious conviction with nationalist resolve. Clerics argued that safeguarding the integrity of Somalia is both a civic and moral duty, and that the unity of the Muslim community is integral to the country’s political stability. Attendees echoed those themes, with placards calling for unity and chants rejecting efforts they said aimed to divide the nation.

Authorities did not immediately report any incidents. Organizers said more demonstrations could follow if foreign governments move to deepen engagement with North Western State of Somalia in ways that weaken Somalia’s position.

As political leaders in Mogadishu lobby partners abroad to reaffirm longstanding policy on Somalia’s borders, Wednesday’s scenes at Daljirka Dahson signaled a widening front of opposition inside the country. Religious figures, civil society groups and traditional leaders joined political authorities in urging a return to Somali-led dialogue — and in declaring Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia unacceptable to the Somali public.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.

Thursday January 8, 2026